Lions Club honors local students

The Cazenovia chapter of Lions Club International recently honored 10 local high school students during their ninth annual "Student of the Month Banquet," held June 8 in Cazenovia College's Hubbard Hall.

Guests were treated to dinner, as well as commemorative speeches by Lion Club President George Williams, Membership Chair Tom Long and guest speaker Jan Maloff, organizer of the Central New York Family Bike Giveaway.

The event recognized each of the ten students that received the Lion's Club "Student of the Month" distinction during the school year for their academic dedication, extracurricular accomplishments and service to the community of Cazenovia.

"The Lions Club has got a good thing going with this annual banquet. They know that an acknowledgment like this goes a long way for somebody, especially students at this age," Maloff said. "To be able to come to a dinner where their accomplishments are acknowledged by the public, school officials and community members is very positive reinforcement."

More than 50 friends and family members of the recognized students attended the event, as well as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Donna Fountain, High School Principal Eric Schnabl and Secretary Julie Mattina and more than 15 members of the Cazenovia Lions Club.

Of the students honored at the dinner, was Class of 2011 Valedictorian Taylor Malmsheimer, Amelia Slocum, Andrew Dain, Molly Woodworth, Jess McDonough, Tim Hunt, members of the State Champion Field Hockey team, Emily Lauzon, Caroline Marshall and Corey Anderson.

Long acted as the evening's emcee, paying respect to each student that was chosen during the school year. "Many of the good things that young people do are often overlooked. We've found that young Cazenovians are dedicated, responsible and very capable of achieving great things," he said. "The annual banquet is a just a small showing of our appreciation. We are proud of all them, and wish them the best in their future endeavors."

The Cazenovia Lions Club annually awards two-$750 and one-$500 scholarship to graduating students of Cazenovia High School.

In addition to regular community service projects, the local Lions members coordinate the July 4 firework display, the annual Christmas Walk and Easter Egg Hunt, as well as provide eye for preschool students.

To learn more about Lions Club International, visit their official website lionsclubs.org. The Cazenovia Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of the month, from September to May at the Brewster Inn. To contact the local chapter, email longtomcarol@aol.com or call 655-9679.